Dog News Headlines: April 2018 Twilight Bark UK

So much happens in the pet world each month, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with everything! I thought it would be helpful to showcase some of the main headlines each month so you can feel on top of some of the leading, fun & often unbelievable dog news! Here’s what happened in April…

SNIFFER DOGS TO BE USED IN ANTI-DOPING TESTS

As pet parents, one thing we know about dogs is that their sense of smell is second to none (Ted & Millie always know when there’s something good to eat nearby!) It was announced in April that UK Anti-Doping (Ukad) will utilise the strong sense of smell instilled in specially trained dogs as part of their pledge to increase testing in sports by 50% by 2022. If ever there was an incentive to ‘play by the rules’ I think this is a pretty big one! Nothing gets past dogs & their noses…

NETFLIX BINGE IS BEST WITH YOUR PET!

With the ridiculous amounts of April showers we experienced last month, sometimes there’s nothing better than bingeing on Netflix. Well last month, Netflix conducted a survey which confirmed 58% of their users prefer doing so with their dog! Of course, dogs make the pawfect companions! I’m just surprised the results weren’t higher!

BEWARE THE OAK PROCESSIONARY MOTH CATERPILLARS!

All sorts of creatures start to wake up with the taste of warm weather on the way. One which hit the headlines at the tail end of April is the increase in the number of Oak Processionary Moth (OPM) Caterpillars. As a dog owner, why do you need to know this? Well these little creatures have very fine hairs which contain a substance which can cause irritation to the eyes & throat of our four-legged pals.

These fluffy little dudes are most common between May-July & are almost solely found on oak trees or one the ground between trees. They actually create a little procession & cluster together. So when on walkies during the next few months, be vigilant for these OPM Caterpillars. Give them space to ‘do their thing’ & hopefully you & your dog won’t run into any issues. Let us know if you see any and always consult your vet if your dog comes into contact with them. Check out more information from The Forestry Commission HERE (photo credit via their website).

YES, DOGS ARE ALLOWED TO PEE ON LAMPPOSTS!

I thought dogs were allowed to do this already! Did you think so as well?? I couldn’t believe my eyes when I read Richmond Council were trying to enforce a ban on this. Have you ever heard of anything so ridiculous?! That’s what dogs do! Thankfully, common sense prevailed & the action was dismissed. So dogs of Richmond & beyond, feel free to cock your leg in peace!

VET CONVICTED OF AIDING PUPPY FARM

Along with many, I was utterly appalled about the case of Vet Daniel Doherty, who in April, was charged with aiding an illegal breeder from importing dogs into the UK. It’s a pretty sad state of affairs to see someone who was once considered to be in a position of trust, totally abuse this…all for the sake of money. This month he is expected to be sentenced. Hopefully they’ll make an example of him in order to deter others & help them find their moral compass!

BODY ARMOUR FOR DOGS WHO PROTECT US

I was so pleased to see Avon & Somerset police are currently trialling body armour for their incredible police dogs. Dogs in the firearms division have been putting the armour to the test in April. In my opinion these dogs, who protect us, definitely deserve extra protection.